American Moves To Portugal, Surfs Past Job Market Into Financial Crisis
KEY POINTS
- •Almost a year ago, Yasmine moved from New York City to Lisbon for a journalism master’s without visiting first.
- •She embraced an active outdoor lifestyle including surfing and skating, reconnecting with hobbies on Lisbon’s nearby beaches and parks.
- •Despite affordable student housing and free healthcare, she struggles to find part-time work without fluent Portuguese and worries about living costs.
Yasmine Hamdi traded New York City’s PR burnout for Lisbon’s sunny skateparks and €40 unlimited transit passes—because why not pay cheap for the bus while living off savings? Settling in without ever visiting Lisbon first (two suitcases, max economy), she improved her life surfing and making friends who care about origins, not occupations. Meanwhile, her wallet took a hit from the cruel euro exchange and rent-to-salary ratios ranked 'best of worst' by The Economist. Portugal’s SNS healthcare saved her from paying hundreds for a post-cat-scratch rabies shot she definitely didn't expect to need, highlighting the bittersweet saudade feeling of sunset nostalgia and financial surprise.
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(1 of 3)Moved to surf and socialize, ended up signing a long-term lease with stress and shrinking dollar exchange rate deadlines. Portugal’s brightest didn’t mention the job market tsunami.
Swapped NYC’s hustle for Lisbon’s waves and found rent so bad even the seagulls are applying for internships.
Turns out 'living abroad' means mastering skateboards, surviving cat scratches on NHS money, and selling dreams for euros.
Source: Businessinsider | Published: 7/22/2026 | Author: Yasmine Hamdi
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